miller's-thumb

American  

[mil-erz-thuhm] / ˈmɪl ərzˈθʌm /

noun

1. any of several small, freshwater sculpins of the genus Cottus, of Europe and North America.

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miller's thumb British  

noun

1. any of several small freshwater European fishes of the genus Cottus, esp C. gobio, having a flattened body: family Cottidae (bullheads, etc)

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Etymology

Origin of miller's-thumb

1400–50; late Middle English milneres thume; the fish is so called from its thumblike head

Example Sentences

He often would Hurly-burly Get up early And go By hook or crook To the brook, And bring home Miller’s-thumb, Tittlebat, Not over fat, Minnows small As the stall Of a glove, Not above The size Of a nice Little baby’s Little fingers.”

From Project Gutenberg

The MILLER'S-THUMB, or BULL-HEAD, is a fish of no pleasing shape.

From Project Gutenberg